Entering Yosemite Valley (California)

This photo is from my one-day trip to Yosemite from San Francisco.

I debated for some time if it was worth it to make the trip in one day or not, since it is a four-hour drive in each direction, even if there is no traffic. In the end, the choice was simple; if I go I get to see one of the most iconic places in the world for any travel photographer, and if I do not, I might have to wait another couple of years for my next opportunity.

Entering Yosemite Valley (California)
Yosemite Valley. California
Loc: 37°45’1″ N 119°47’31” W

I would definitely have preferred to make it a two or three-day trip, to do some hiking and exploring, but that was not the case.

This was my first glimpse of Yosemite Valley, the view of Half Dome in the distance from the vista point before the tunnel on Big Oak Flat Road, which serves as the entry point to the valley.

The view serves as a warning; get your photo gear ready and be prepared to be amazed.

Deconstructing Featured Photo

Entering Yosemite Valley (California) 1
by Viktor Elizarov
I am a travel photographer and educator from Montreal, Canada, and a founder of PhotoTraces. I travel around the world and share my experiences here. Feel free to check my Travel Portfolio and download Free Lightroom Presets.

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